10 Hidden Costs of a Wedding (And How to Avoid Them)

By Kings Norton Weddings & Events

Planning your big day is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do — but it can also come with a few sneaky surprises, especially when it comes to your budget!

At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we’ve helped hundreds of couples plan their perfect day, and one thing we always hear is: "We didn’t realise that would cost extra!".

Don’t worry — we’re here to help you spot those hidden wedding costs before they catch you off guard.

Here’s our friendly, honest guide to the 10 hidden costs of a wedding (and how you can avoid them!).

1. Dress Alterations

You’ve found the dress — amazing! But remember, unless it fits like a glove straight off the hanger (spoiler: it usually doesn’t), you’ll need alterations.

Top Tip: Factor in an extra £100–£300 for tailoring when setting your dress budget. And always ask your boutique about alteration costs upfront!

2. Beauty Trials

That dreamy hair and makeup look you’ve saved on Pinterest? You'll want a trial run to make sure it's just right before the big day. Also consider if you’re also booking for your bridesmaids, if so, are you paying or do they understand they will have to budget for this themselves?

Top Tip: Book your trials early and budget around £50–£150 for them. Some stylists include trials in their package — it’s worth checking.

3. Marriage License Fees

It’s not the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but getting legally married costs money too! License fees vary depending on your local council, typically between £50–£200.

Top Tip: Research the costs in your area early on — it’s one expense you can’t avoid!

4. Postage for Invitations

Beautiful invitations are a joy to send — but remember, the more elaborate (or heavier!) they are, the pricier the postage.

Top Tip: Keep designs simple or opt for digital RSVPs if you’re looking to save. And always weigh a sample at the Post Office before ordering 100 invites!

5. Corkage Fees

If you’re planning to bring your own wine or champagne to your wedding, some venues charge a corkage fee — basically, a per-bottle fee for serving your drinks.

Top Tip: Ask your venue upfront about corkage policies. Here at Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we’re always clear and flexible with your drinks options.

6. Extra Hours

Having too much fun to end the night at midnight? We get it! But extending your party might mean extra costs for the venue, staff, and even your DJ or band.

Top Tip: Check your contract for venue hire timings. If you think you’ll want a late-night extension, budget for it early to avoid stress on the day.

7. Service Charges and Tips

Many catering companies and venues add a service charge (often around 10–15%) onto your final bill. It's easy to overlook but can add hundreds of pounds.

Top Tip: Always ask whether service charges are included when getting a quote, and build it into your budget from the start.

 8. Cake Cutting Fees

Yes, really! Some venues charge a fee to cut and serve your wedding cake if it’s made by an external baker.

Top Tip: Ask your venue if they charge for cake cutting.

9. Vendor Meals

Your photographer, videographer, band, or DJ could be with you for 8–12 hours — and they’ll need feeding! It’s common courtesy (and sometimes part of their contract) to provide a simple meal.

Top Tip: Speak to your caterer about vendor meal options — it’s usually a more affordable version of your guest menu and keeps everyone happy and energised.

10. Décor Extras

You’ve booked the venue and sorted the flowers — job done, right? Not quite. Little décor extras like candles, charger plates, signage, napkins, favours and chair covers can add up fast.

Top Tip: Choose a venue that already has stunning spaces needing minimal decoration. Always ask what’s included in your hire fee — sometimes less really is more.

How to Avoid Hidden Wedding Costs (Without Sacrificing Your Dream Day)

1. Ask lots of questions upfront. No question is too small when it comes to understanding contracts and quotes.

2. Get everything in writing. Confirm all costs by email to avoid miscommunication.

3. Build a buffer. Add a 10% contingency to your wedding budget to cover surprises.

4. Prioritise what matters most. Focus your budget on the elements you care about most, and be flexible on the extras.

5. Work with experienced suppliers. Trusted venues and vendors will be transparent and help you stay on track.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding should be full of joy, not financial surprises. Knowing where hidden costs can pop up means you can plan smarter, stay in control of your budget, and still have the incredible celebration you deserve.

At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we believe in making your planning process as smooth and transparent as possible. From your first tour to your last dance, we’re here to help you every step of the way — no hidden fees, no unexpected extras, just a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and memories.

Ready to start planning? Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more about our wedding packages, availability, and how we can bring your dream day to life.

P.S. If you’d like a full breakdown of what's included in your wedding package at Kings Norton Weddings & Events, just ask! We love helping couples plan with total confidence.